The Bringer of American Consumerism

This cartoon here is titled “American Propaganda” and is a part of a larger series of cartoons that was published by the satirical magazine Ulenspiegel in 1953, which was written in opposition of the west; mainly the U.S. and Western Germany (Calvin College German Propoganda Archive). The name of the magazine, Ulenspiegal, actually stems from the German folklore of Till Eulenspiegel, who was a traveling trickster/practical joker born around 1300 (Wikipedia). With this cartoon as well as many of the other ones from this series, the creators attempt to convince the people of Eastern Germany that the western ways of life are bad. In this case, the consumer products being brought to Germany by the U.S. are the tools to change the German people to be more American. This cartoon attempts to portray the U.S. as a sort of traveling salesman.

The sign on the bottom left says “Chew gum and stay healthy”, the on eon top says, “Milk and honey flow here”, the smaller one a the front of the tank, next to the helmet says, “Enjoy your meal, and the very small sign close to the ground to the left of the front of the tanks says, “Self-service”. The sign in red reads, “Closed to East-West Commerce. The main colors of this poster are black and white, however there is some red in the poster. The red that is used on the sign seems to signify danger, and the red in the background somewhat looks like a smearing of blood.

There is almost an overload of symbols in this poster, and it seems to be done on purpose to accentuate the fact that the U.S. is trying to overwhelm Germany with its culture and American imported products. All of the meats and other products that cover the entire tank almost make it look like a rolling grocery store. Coca Cola is another consumer good that is specifically referenced in this case. The man sitting up on the tank is also carrying a ladle and wearing a chefs hat as well as holding a megaphone, to presumably attract the German people to come and buy his goods. The tank itself is another symbol. Tanks by themselves are very threating and are a tool of destruction, but here the tank is covered in flowers and disguise its dangerous weapons, suggesting that the U.S. is concealing its military incursion with peaceful intentions. Another symbol that stands out is the U.S. placard on the front of the tank; instead of the usual shield shape of symbol, it has been changed into the shape of a heart.